How do you activate or deactivate spatial audio on Airpods Pro when using Apple TV 4K? I have everything updated to the GM of iOS/iPadOS/tvOS 14. On an iPhone or iPad, you go into control center and click on the audio icon to turn spatial audio on and off. But not sure how to control it on Apple TV.
+1 to what Leebee said,
You can connect your Airpods Pro to these devices for Spatial Audio
More info here - Listen with spatial audio for AirPods Pro - Apple Support
I have spoken to Apple about this with regards to the Mac as well and they said that it is just not supported on the current beta version of Big Sur yet. Meaning that last will be expanding very soon just the same.
It’s possible that that’s the idea, with a TV the idea is that it’s fixed unlike your phone, iPad, or even Mac that can be moved around. With that being said, the AppleTV 4K has always been capable of gyroscopic and accelerometer interpretation as I think you may be forgetting that this is what is used in the remote for gaming. I would imagine they would use that same capability to communicate with the AirPods. I can’t imagine it will be quite as efficient without having the W1 or H1 chip for better communication but it also only has to interpret the movement of just the AirPods instead of both the AirPods and the device. Furthermore, this may also be a key feature implemented or improved to be presented on the next-gen AppleTV rumored to be completed earlier this year and released soon. Could even be another reason for them waiting to release it.
It’s currently not supported on Apple TV 4K which is crazy seeing as it has Bluetooth 5.0. I wager it’ll come soon though!
In this case, wouldn't it be better to buy a home Theater combo? I've heard pretty good audio from bose soundbars and sony speakers.
It would be far more superior. I had to downsize my set up. I’m using Apple HomePods - stereo paired..
I question how it is supposed to know where the TV audio is supposed to be oriented. Your AppleTV may be in a closet or off to the side of your TV. How should they “point” the audio? It’s quite different from an iPad where you know where the audio should be emanating.
Good question “equals”. I just want the atmos mimicking and not worry about having the sound stay where it’s meant to be at all times. The difference between 360 audio on my iPhone and just stereo on my Apple TV is profound. I just want that cinema feeling sound from the stuff I watch on my TV. I’m going to have my head pointed at the TV for the majority of the time anyway.
As I understand it spatial audio is coming to HomePod’s in stereo mode on Apple TV 4K in the form of ‘Home Theatre’ via an update in the near future. If they do add spatial audio support on the AirPods Pro fore ATV it will likely come at the same time. As a side note that update will also add Dolby Atmos support to the HomePod.
Apple TV spatial audio
